Mark Levinson N432 N431 User manual

Brand: Mark Levinson

Model: N432 N431

Category: Audio amplifiers

Type: User manual

Mark Levinson N432 N431 power amplifiers deliver world-class sound quality for discerning audiophiles. These massive amplifiers feature a balanced design, extensive protection circuitry, and a massive power supply for accurate, distortion-free audio reproduction. With their ability to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with authority and finesse, the N432 and N431 are ideal for high-end audio systems.

Owner’s Manual

Nº432

Nº431

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT

REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is

intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within

the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of

electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to

the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in

the literature accompanying the appliance.

Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with

the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards

of the European Community.

NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the

FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with

the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference

will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which

can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or

more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver;

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected;

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the

Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils

numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des

Communications du Canada

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Mark

Levinson power amplifier.

Important Safety Instructions

1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting

or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component.

2. This product must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord

that includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three

connections must ALWAYS be used.

3. AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product.

4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

5. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.

6. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.

7. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.

8. NEVER block airflow through ventilation slots or heat sinks.

9. NEVER bypass any fuse.

10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.

11. NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your Mark

Levinson retailer.

12. NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures.

13. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.

15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

16. In CE countries, this amplifier is considered “professional equipment.” In order

to comply with CE requirements, the customer is required to obtain permission

from the local supply authority before connecting this equipment.

“Mark Levinson” and the Mark Levinson logo are registered trademarks of

Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other worldwide

patents issued and pending.

“Madrigal Audio Laboratories” and the Madrigal Audio Laboratories logo

are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent

numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending.

This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of

Harman Specialty Group. The information it contains is subject to change

without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for

errors that may appear within this document.

3 Oak Park

Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA

Telephone: 781-280-0300

Fax: 781-280-0490

www.marklevinson.com

Customer Service

Telephone: 781-280-0300

Sales Fax: 781-280-0495

Service Fax: 781-280-0499

Product Shipments

16 Progress Road

Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA

Part No. 070-630670 | Rev 4 | 05/04

From all of us at Mark Levinson, thank you for choosing a Mark

Levinson Power Amplifier.

Table of Contents

Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Product Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Warm-up & Break-in Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Operating States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Continuous Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Special Design Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Massive Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Balanced Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Extensive Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Linking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Making Link Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Constructing Link Communication Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Creating a Slave Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Link Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Care & Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Dimensions, Nº432 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Dimensions, Nº431 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Rack-Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Unpacking

Warning! DO NOT attempt to lift or move the Nº432/431 without

adequate assistance. Failure to follow the procedures included

in this section may result in personal injuries and/or product

damage.

The Nº432/431 are massive power amplifiers. The Nº432 ships at

125 pounds (57kg) and the Nº431 ships at 105 pounds (48kg).

Rear panel handles are provided for safe, convenient lifting and

moving. Proper lifting requires at least two people.

Caution! DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº432/431 from its packing carton

alone.

DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº432/431 while bending at the

waist. When lifting, stand as straight as possible using the leg

muscles to lift.

When unpacking the Nº432/431:

• DO save all packing materials for possible future shipping

needs.

• DO inspect the Nº432/431 for signs of damage during

shipment. If damage is discovered, contact an authorized

Mark Levinson dealer for assistance making appropriate

claims.

Product Registration Please register the Nº432/431 within 15 days of purchase. To do

so, register online at www.marklevinson.com or complete and

return the included product registration card. Product registration

serves no warranty purposes. Retain the original, dated sales

receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

Installation Considerations

The Nº432/431 requires special care during installation to ensure

optimal performance. Pay particular attention to the precautions

included in this section and to other precautions included

throughout this owner’s manual.

Placement • DO review “Important Safety Instructions” and “Power

Requirements” before installing the Nº432/431.

• DO place the Nº432/431 on a solid, flat, level surface such as

a table, shelf, or floor OR bolt the Nº432/431 into a rack-

mounting system. Use a purpose-built rack-mounting system

to accommodate the weight of the power amplifier. Refer to

“Rack-Mounting” for additional information.

• DO position the Nº432/431 close to associated loudspeakers

to keep loudspeaker wires as short as possible. Use longer

interconnecting cables between the preamplifier and the

power amplifier. This is preferable because interconnecting

cables pass low-voltage signals, which transmit over distances

with greater accuracy than the high-voltage signals required

by loudspeakers.

• DO allow at least a 6-inch (15cm) clearance behind the

Nº432/431 for the power cord and signal cables to bend

without crimping or straining.

• DO refer to “Dimensions” for assistance with custom

installations.

• DO NOT position the Nº432/431 near low-level compo-

nents. These power amplifiers are capable of producing mas-

sive output currents, which could generate significant magnet-

ic fields that induce noise in some sensitive components.

• DO NOT place the Nº432/431 on a windowsill or in another

location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

Caution! Before moving the Nº432/431, make sure it is powered off with

the front panel power button. Then, make sure the power cord

is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector and the electrical

outlet. Do not attempt to move the Nº432/431 without adequate

assistance. Proper lifting requires at least two people.

Ventilation • DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.

• DO allow at least a 2 to 3-inch (5 to 8cm) clearance above the

Nº432/431 for proper heat dissipation through air circulation.

The Nº432/431 is designed for passive, convection cooling.

• DO NOT obstruct the ventilation holes on the top and bottom

of the Nº432/431 or reduce airflow through the Nº432/431.

• DO NOT place the Nº432/431 on a thick rug or carpet or

cover the Nº432/431 with a cloth, as this might prevent proper

cooling. If the Nº432/431 is placed on the floor, use a thick

piece of tempered glass to provide firm support and proper

ventilation.

• DO NOT expose the Nº432/431 to high temperatures,

humidity, steam, smoke, dampness, or excessive dust. Avoid

installing the Nº432/431 near radiators and other heat-producing

appliances.

Note In general, better ventilation is required if the top of the

Nº432/431 is too hot to touch when the power amplifier is

“idle.” Open equipment racks provide the best ventilation for

power amplifiers. However, if the power amplifier must be

placed in a cabinet that restricts airflow, consider drilling holes

in the shelf underneath the power amplifier to improve

ventilation or using fans to increase air circulation.

Power Requirements

When shipped, the Nº432/431 is configured for 100V, 120V, 220V,

230V or 240V AC power operation at 50 or 60Hz based on the

country for which it is manufactured. Before operating the

Nº432/431, make sure the ~ac mains connector label indicates the

correct operating voltage for the current location.

Caution! Do not attempt to adjust the operating voltage. Consult an

authorized Mark Levinson dealer if the operating voltage is

incorrect or if the operating voltage must be changed for

relocation purposes.

Be advised that different operating voltages may require the

use of different power cords and/or attachment plugs. Contact

an authorized Mark Levinson dealer for assistance.

The Nº432/431 is capable of passing remarkable musical signals

regardless of signal and loudspeaker demands. On either an

instantaneous or continuous basis, these power amplifiers can

drive exceptional power levels into most all loudspeaker loads.

Depending on listening habits, loudspeaker demands, and the

number of power amplifiers present in the system – it is possible

for the electrical service to become the limiting performance factor.

In this case, consider installing a dedicated AC circuit for the home

entertainment system. Contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

If more than one AC circuit is providing power to the system,

contact a licensed electrician to ensure that all components are

operating with the same solid, low-impedance ground reference.

Important: Building regulations and electrical codes differ from location to

location, making it impossible to anticipate the requirements of

high-current AC circuits such as the Nº432/431 are capable of

using. Contact a local, licensed electrician for information.

Warm-up & Break-in Although the Nº432/431 delivers superior performance from the

Period first time it is powered on, this performance will continue to

improve as the power amplifier reaches its normal operating

temperature and various components “break in.” The greatest

performance improvements will occur within the first 25 to 50

hours of use. Sound quality will continue to improve for about

300 hours.

After this initial period, performance will remain consistent unless

power is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector. Power is

considered disconnected when the Nº432/431 is powered off with

the power button; the power cord is disconnected from the ~ac

mains connector or the electrical outlet; or an extended power

failure or power outage occurs. Power is not disconnected when

the Nº432/431 is in standby or sleep mode.

When power returns, the Nº432/431 will require a brief warm-up

and break-in period (not the full 300 hours). It is recommended to

allow the Nº432/431 and other audio components to stabilize for

about 2 minutes.

Operating States The Nº432/431 has four operating states:

1. Off

Power is disconnected from the ~ac mains connector.

2. Sleep Mode

Power is connected to a small power supply, communication

circuits, and control circuits. When taken out of sleep mode,

the Nº432/431 requires a brief warm-up and break-in period.

In sleep mode, the Nº432/431 consumes less than 15W of

power.

3. Standby

Power is connected to the main power supply and voltage

gain stages. Power is not connected to the output (current

gain) stage. Because voltage gain stages are kept at their normal

operating temperatures, the Nº432/431 remains warmed-up to

deliver an optimal performance. In standby, the Nº432/431

consumes about 50W of power.

4. On

Power is connected to the ~ac mains connector and all power

amplifier components.

Continuous Operation The Nº432/431 should be unplugged during lightning storms and

extended periods of non-use. Otherwise, it is designed for continuous

operation. For best performance, make sure power is connected to

the ~ac mains connector at all times. During normal operation,

do not use the power button to power off the Nº432/431. Instead,

use the standby button to place the Nº432/431 into standby,

which allows the power amplifier to remain warmed-up to deliver

optimal performance at all times.

Special Design Features

Thank you for purchasing the Nº432/431 Power Amplifier. While

these amplifiers are straightforward in everyday use, they include

several design features that are responsible for their outstanding

performance. In particular, these amplifiers defy the accepted

wisdom that it is impossible to design a large, powerful amplifier

that also has all the finesse of the finest smaller amplifiers. A few

of the technical highlights that make this possible are described

below.

Massive Power Supply The Nº432/431 features two large, robust power supplies. Each

supply includes a high-capacity, low-noise toroidal transformer,

and four large, low ESR (“Equivalent Series Resistance”) capacitors.

Heavy oxygen-free copper bus bars enhance the efficiency of

power distribution within the amplifier and eliminate variances

introduced by the wiring harnesses that are commonly found in

even high-performance amplifiers. High-frequency power supply

bypass is accomplished on individual PC boards by components

of several film types. The resulting uniformly low power supply

impedance seen by the various circuits within the amplifier lays

the foundation for massive power and extraordinary finesse that

characterizes Mark Levinson amplifiers.

Balanced Design A truly balanced input topology eliminates the need for an input

buffer amplification stage, allowing the first stage differential

amplifier to be driven directly by the source. Matched impedances

are presented to the source. Both signals travel through identical

circuit paths.

Meticulous attention to the layout of the amplifier, including

careful mirror-imaging of circuits to cancel magnetic fields, was

essential to minimize magnetic field distortions that can occur

with such a massive power delivery system. A balanced input

signal remains balanced throughout the voltage gain stages.

Rejection of common mode noise and distortion is achieved in

the final, current gain stage.

Extensive Protection The Nº432/431 is designed to shut itself down if it senses any of a

number of fault conditions that could cause damage to itself or to

associated loudspeakers.

These fault conditions include:

•the presence of DC (direct current) at the output

• demand for excessive current at the output, indicating a short-

circuit

• over-voltage or under-voltage conditions (+5% to -10%) at the

~ac mains connector

• unsafe operating temperatures in any of several critical areas

within the amplifier

In the case of either significant DC offset or an over-current

condition, the amplifier will shut down to protect itself and the

associated loudspeakers. The front panel indicator LED will blink

rapidly, remaining lit about half of the time. To restore normal

operation, remove the cause of the fault and power cycle the

amplifier with the power button.

If the ~ac mains connector voltage is too high or too low for safe

operation, the amplifier will automatically enter sleep mode and

the front panel indicator LED will blink rapidly, remaining on

most of the time. The amplifier will not come out of sleep mode

until the ~ac mains connector voltage is again within the normal

operating range. For example, a 120V amplifier will operate

between approximately 108-132VAC; a 230V amplifier will operate

between approximately 207-253VAC. Outside of these generous

limits, the amplifier will enter sleep mode. Once the fault condition

is removed, the amplifier can be taken out of sleep mode.

If the amplifier overheats despite its innovative heat sinking and

cooling system, it will enter and remain in sleep mode until the

temperature at the output heat sinks drops below 85°C (158˚F or

358K). The front panel indicator LED will blink rapidly, remaining

unlit most of the time. Once the fault condition is removed, the

amplifier can be taken out of sleep mode.

In addition, the AC input to each transformer is fused to protect

against excessive current conditions such as driving shorted

outputs. Inrush limiting prevents premature aging of power

supply components during power-up, and switches off-line once

the power supply has been charged.

Finally, your amplifier incorporates a controlled clipping circuit

that prevents the output devices from saturating. The harsh high-

frequency harmonics generated by hard-clipped output devices are

avoided by the wave-shaping action of this controlled clip circuitry.

power

standby

DUAL MONO AMPLIFIER

Nº432

Front Panel

The numbers in the front panel illustration shown above correspond

with the numbered items that begin below.

1. Indicator LED

Indicates the operating state of the Nº432/431 and provides

diagnostic information when a fault condition occurs.

LED Behavior Description

Fully lit Indicates that the power amplifier is

powered “on.”

Slowly blinking Indicates that the power amplifier is in

standby.

Dimly lit Indicates that the power amplifier is in

sleep mode.

Not lit Indicates that the power amplifier is

powered “off."

Rapidly blinking Indicates that a power-related fault

(on most of the time) has occurred.

Rapidly blinking Indicates that a signal-related fault*

(on half of the time) has occurred.

Rapidly blinking Indicates that a thermal-related fault

(off most of the time) has occurred.

* Signal-related faults include significant DC offset at the output due to either

DC in the input signal or a failed component within the amplifier OR excessive

current demands due to a short-circuited loudspeaker wire.

Refer to “Extensive Protection” for additional information about

fault conditions. If the amplifier will not power on at all (even

to sleep mode), check ~ac mains connections or have an

authorized Mark Levinson dealer inspect the internal fuses

(which are not user-serviceable).

2. Power Button

Powers the Nº432/431 on and off when the power cord is

connected to the ~ac mains connector and an electrical outlet.

When the Nº432/431 is powered on, pressing and releasing

the power button disconnects power from the ~ac mains

connector and powers the Nº432/431 off.

When the Nº432/431 is powered off, pressing and releasing

the power button connects power to the ~ac mains connector

and powers the Nº432/431 on. If the power save mode

switch is set to on, the Nº432/431 enters sleep mode. If the

power save mode switch is set to off, the Nº432/431 enters

standby.

Note: The Nº432/431 must be powered on with the power button to

respond to remote trigger commands.

3. Standby Button

Places the Nº432/431 into standby or sleep mode and takes

the Nº432/431 out of standby or sleep mode. When the

Nº432/431 is powered on, pressing and releasing the standby

button places the Nº432/431 into standby or takes the

Nº432/431 out of standby, allowing it to remain warmed-up

to deliver an optimal performance at all times.

Pressing and holding the standby button places the Nº432/

431 into sleep mode. When the Nº432/431 is in sleep mode,

pressing and releasing the standby button takes the Nº432/

431 out of sleep mode. If the power save mode switch is set

to on, the Nº432/431 powers on into sleep mode. If the

power save mode switch is set to off, the Nº432/431 enters

standby.

control

controlinput

control

trigger

out

trigger

power save

mode

off

~ ac mains

LEFT CHANNEL

RIGHT CHANNEL

1 2

outputs

inputs

outputs

Rear Panel

The numbers in the rear panel illustration shown above correspond with

the numbered items that begin below.

Caution! Never make or break connections to the Nº432/431 unless it and

all associated components are powered off and disconnected

from electrical outlets. Before making connections to the Nº432/

431, make sure the associated preamplifier master volume is set

to a reasonable level.

1. Rear Panel Handles

Allow for safe, convenient lifting and moving of the

Nº432/431. Refer to “Unpacking” for additional information.

Caution! DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº432/431 from its packing carton

alone.

DO NOT attempt to lift the Nº432/431 while bending at the

waist. When lifting, stand as straight as possible using the leg

muscles to lift.

2. Loudspeaker Binding Posts (Outputs)

Provide left and right-channel audio output. Two custom-

made, gold-plated, high-current binding posts labeled +

(positive) and – (negative) are available for each channel.

Positive binding posts are red; negative binding posts are

black.

Caution! NEVER connect power amplifier outputs to any component

other than a loudspeaker.

NEVER short-circuit power amplifier outputs.

NEVER connect power amplifier outputs to another power

amplifier’s outputs.

For best performance, use high-quality loudspeaker cables. To

connect these cables, use a high-quality spade or hook lug

soldered to the cable or crimped to the cable with extremely

high pressure.

• Connect the + (positive) binding posts on the Nº432/431

to positive inputs on the associated loudspeaker.

• Connect the – (negative) binding posts on the Nº432/431

to negative inputs on the associated loudspeaker.

Spade Lug

Hook Lug

Caution! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the Nº432/431 binding posts. The

innovative design of these binding posts provides more leverage

than more traditional designs. Tight, high-contact pressure

connections can be achieved with finger-tightening. Special

tools are not needed.

DO NOT FORCE the Nº432/431 binding post “wings” up and

over a bent or oversized connector. Doing so may result in

binding post damage. If the connector obstructs “wing”-turning,

slide it into place when the binding post opening provides a

snug fit. Then, use quarter-turns to tighten the connection as

needed.

3. Unbalanced Input

Provides left and right-channel audio input. One stereo RCA

connector is available to accept unbalanced input signals from

an associated preamplifier. These signals are converted to

balanced signals upon receipt, and processed as balanced

signals thereafter.

If the associated preamplifier does not support balanced

connections, connect the RCA output on the preamplifier to

the RCA input on the Nº432/431. To reduce the chance of

noise at the (otherwise un-terminated) inverting XLR input,

insert the supplied U-shaped shorting-straps between pins 1

and 3. (These shorting-straps are installed when the

Nº432/431 is shipped.)

4. Balanced Input

Provides left and right-channel audio input. One stereo XLR

connector is available to accept balanced input signals from an

associated preamplifier.

For best performance, use balanced connections whenever

possible. Refer to the illustration below and to the associated

preamplifier documentation to ensure that Nº432/431 XLR

input pin assignments correspond to the associated preamplifier

XLR output pin assignments. If not, wire the cable so that the

appropriate input pin connects to the appropriate output pin.

Pin 1: Signal ground

Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)

Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)

Connector ground lug: chassis ground

Note Before making balanced connections, remove the U-shaped

shorting-straps between pins 1 and 3 on the Nº432/431 XLR

inputs and save them for possible future use. These shorting-

straps are installed when the Nº432/431 is shipped.

5. RS-232 Communications Port

Provides serial control, performing flash memory software

upgrades and facilitating external control in AMX™ and

Crestron™ systems. One connector labeled control is available.

6. Communication Ports

Provide “links” to compatible Mark Levinson preamplifiers

and power amplifiers, allowing the Nº432/431 and linked

preamplifiers or power amplifiers to share Link controls. Two

6-pin modular RJ-11 jacks labeled input and

control are available.

The input communication port can be connected to a

compatible Mark Levinson preamplifier that offers Link or

communication ports. Both the input and

control communication ports can be connected to a

compatible Mark Levinson power amplifier that offers

communication ports.

Note Refer to “Linking” BEFORE linking the Nº432/431 to other Mark

Levinson components.

7. trigger in and out connectors

Provide DC trigger control. One 1/8-inch mini-jack labeled

trigger in is available to receive 12 or 5V DC signals from a

connected component, and one 1/8-inch mini-jack labeled

trigger out is available to pass these signals along to a connected

power amplifier. The illustration below shows tip polarity

requirements.

5 to 12V, positive tip polarity

Connect the trigger in connector on the Nº432/431 to the

trigger out connector on a compatible component. Toggling

the connected component between on and standby will toggle

the Nº432/431 between on and standby or on and sleep

mode (depending on the power save mode switch setting).

Connect the trigger out connector on the Nº432/431 to the

trigger in connector on a compatible power amplifier. The

Nº432/431 will pass DC signals along to the connected power

amplifier, creating a “daisy-chain” of trigger control.

8. power save mode switch

Determines the Nº432/431’s response to reductions in DC trigger

voltage, from “high” (5-12V) to “low” (0V).

Important! DO NOT change the power save mode switch setting when the

Nº432/431 is powered on. Make sure power is disconnected

from the ~ac mains connector before making adjustments.

When the power save mode switch is set to on, the

Nº432/431 powers on in sleep mode. If the Nº432/431 is

configured for trigger control, incoming DC signals toggle the

Nº432/431 between on and sleep mode.

When the power save mode switch is set to off, the

Nº432/431 powers on in standby. If the Nº432/431 is

configured for trigger control, incoming DC signals toggle the

Nº432/431 between on and standby.

9. ~ac mains connector

Provides power to the Nº432/431 through the supplied power

cord when the supplied power cord is connected to the ~ac

mains connector and the electrical outlet. One IEC-standard

AC mains receptacle labeled ~ac mains is available.

Note Before operating the Nº432/431, make sure the ~ac mains

connector label indicates the correct operating voltage for the

current location.

Warning! The Nº432/431 has been safety-tested and designed for

operation with a three-conductor power cord. Do not defeat the

“third pin” or “earth ground” of the power cord.

The Nº432/431 includes internal fuses as a final stage of

protection. The protection circuitry is designed so that only a

catastrophic failure will cause these fuses to blow. If this

occurs, disconnect the power cord from the Nº432/431 ~ac

mains connector and the electrical outlet. Then, contact an

authorized Mark Levinson dealer for assistance. Do not

attempt to replace the fuse. There are no user-serviceable

parts within the Nº432/431.

Danger! Potentially dangerous voltages and current capabilities exist

within the Nº432/431, even when power is disconnected from

the ~ac mains connector. DO NOT attempt to open the amplifier’s

cabinet. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier.

Refer all servicing to an authorized Mark Levinson dealer.

Linking

Linking is available for all Mark Levinson components that offer

Link or communication ports, including master, slave in,

slave out, , input, and control communication

ports. These communication ports can be used to “link” compatible

Mark Levinson components in a slave chain, allowing them to

share Link controls.

The Nº432/431 offers two communication ports labeled

input and control. The input communication

port can be connected to a compatible Mark Levinson preamplifier

that offers Link or communication ports. Both the

input and control communication ports can be connected

to a compatible Mark Levinson power amplifier that offers

communication ports.

The Nº432/431 can be connected to the following Mark

Levinson components:

• Nº30 Series preamplifiers, including the Nº32, Nº38, and

Nº38S.

• Nº300 Series preamplifiers, including the Nº320, Nº320S,

Nº380, and Nº380S.

• Nº400 Series power amplifiers, including the Nº434 and

Nº436.

• Nº39 and Nº390S CD Processors.

• Refer to the appropriate documentation for Link compatibility

information about other Mark Levinson components.

Making Link • DO use Link or communication ports, such as master,

Connections slave in, slave out, , input, and control

communication ports. DO NOT use RS-232 ports or other

rear panel connectors.

• DO use supplied Link communication cables, which are

provided in the accessory box.

• DO use constructed Link communication cables. Refer to

“Constructing Link Communication Cables” for additional

information.

Caution! Link connections must be made using Link or

communication ports and supplied or constructed Link

communication cables. Connections made with other connectors

or cables may damage the Nº432/431 and other linked

components, possibly voiding the manufacturer’s warranty

and/or standard repair policies.

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Mark Levinson N432 N431 User manual

Brand: Mark Levinson

Model: N432 N431

Category: Audio amplifiers

Type: User manual

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Mark Levinson N432 N431 User manual

Mark Levinson N432 N431 User manual

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